High differences in the prices when institutions buy same products and services

SKOPJE, 15 December 2011 - Center for Civil Communications today announced a regular index of rationality for a new group of five products or services: written translation from Macedonian into English language; air-conditioners; private security services; notebook computers and GPS vehicle devices. The index includes prices of products or services purchased by 50 central and local governmental institutions.
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Found significant differences in prices are especially indicative concerning the rational and proper use of public money.

▪ In the procurement of translation services from English to Macedonian highest price is 167% higher than the lowest price for the same service paid by other state institution. 
▪ In terms of
3,5 KW air conditioners, the highest price is 90% percent higher than the lowest price achieved in public procurement included in this index.
▪ In the procurement of physical security the highest price paid for 1 hour is 400% higher than the lowest recorded price. 
▪ The highest price for laptops with Intel Core i3 Processor is 98% higher than the lowest price, while computers with Intel Core i5 Processors are purchased at prices that are about 101% higher than the lowest price. 
▪ The GPS devices to vehicles – the highest price paid for them is 158% higher than the lowest price recorded in the index. 
Part of the detected differences in prices can be justified by the amount purchased or applicable procurement procedures, but significant differences of the determined price is not economically justified. 

Differences between highest and lowest price ranges from 90% up to 400% indicating that public institutions must spend the public money more rationaly through detailed market research before publishing tenders, exchange of information and selection of appropriate procurement procedures.